Preserving Music in Oceania

Question 1

What are the challenges/impacts of climate change on the Marshall islands?

Answer 1

(1) Rising sea levels threatening to submerge the low-lying islands
(2) Loss of land and homes
(3) Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources
(4) Disruption of traditional ways of life and cultural practices
(5) Loss of identity

Question 2

climate refugees

Answer 2

refers to people forced to leave their homes due to the effects of climate change

Question 3

The term “climate refugee” relates to the people of Pacific Island nations because…

Answer 3

Pacific Islands are more vulnerable to impacts of climate change, especially low-lying islands of Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands.

Question 4

The Pacific Islands resent the label “climate refugees” because…

Answer 4

(1) Portrays people as helpless, passive victims
(2) Migration v. mitigation

Question 5

The concept of migration v. mitigation is significant because…

Answer 5

(1) Too much focuses on the idea of them being relocated rather than dealing with climate change
(2) Migration could mean a loss of identity (major concern)

Question 6

The preservation of music/cultural traditions in Tuvalu relate to broader discussions of climate change and cultural sustainability because…

Answer 6

music and its traditions are potentially endangered when few people are left to support the tradition.

Question 7

The Tuvalu Pacific Project aimed to address the challenges faced by the Tuvalu by…

Answer 7

(1) Addressing cultural engagement and preservation efforts
(2) Digitizing and preserving large collection of archival recordings of traditional music
(3) Raising awareness of cultural heritage
(4) Facilitating collaboration between indigenous artists and researchers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada

Question 8

whanaungatanga

Answer 8

Maori term referring to importance of relationships and connectedness within communities

Question 9

Whanaungatanga helped shaped the approach in the Tuvalu Pacific Project by…

Answer 9

(1) Emphasizing the importance of building relationships, collaboration, and sharing knowledge
(2) Preserving music and culture through collective responsibility that requires participation from all

Question 10

Rapa Nui

Answer 10

Easter Island
Chilean territory
Known for their monumental statues created by indigenous Rapa Nui people between 1250-1500

Question 11

The understanding of Rapa Nui’s history has changed over time because of…

Answer 11

(1) questions over whether the people that settled on Rapa Nui where Polynesian or American Natives (SPOILER…POLYNESIAN).
(2) influence over Rapa Nui as a Chilean territory since 1888; Polynesian and Latin American influences mixed

Question 12

The history of Rapa Nui is important to the island’s culture because…

Answer 12

(1) it informs the narrative of settlement, isolation, encounters with Europeans, and cultural change
(2) helps islanders assert their cultural identity and independence

Question 13

Rapa Nui’s music and dance helps them express their cultural identity under Chilean influence because…

Answer 13

(1) Reflects Polynesian roots
(2) Asserts cultural distinctiveness
(3) Celebrates shared heritage with other Polynesian cultures

Question 14

Chilean government has influence Rapa Nui’s culture and language through…

Answer 14

(1) education policies (Spanish taught in schools)
(2) Official communication (in Spanish)
(3) Media and pop culture impact cultural practices and expression

Question 15

Efforts being made to preserve Rapa Nui’s indigenous language and culture include…

Answer 15

the development of mechanisms for cultural preservation, particularly by fostering youth culture.

Question 16

How has music and dance contributed to the cultural revival of Rapa Nui?

Answer 16

(1) Ritual traditions embedded in performance
(2) Ancient language used in traditional songs/chants
(3) Maintenance/development of traditional performance practices due to tourist-oriented economy
(4) Music has important role in social events, traditional ceremonies, and tourist-oriented shows

Question 17

What roles did music play in pre-contact Rapa Nui society?

Answer 17

(1) Fulfilled educative, ceremonial, and celebratory roles
(2) Tool of oral tradition pertaining to cultural history

Question 18

What influences have shaped Rapa Nui’s music?

Answer 18

(1) Missionaries in the 1860s introducing Tahitian hymn tunes
(2) North American troops in the 1960s introducing rock music, influencing the incorporation of rock elements into their music
(3) Increased contact with other Polynesians and international events have diversified Rapa Nui’s musical influences

Question 19

The group Matato’a is significant because…

Answer 19

(1) Prominent and successful contemporary ensemble from Rapa Nui
(2) Known for international tours and success

Question 20

What is the primary goal of Matato’a?

Answer 20

To preserve and promote Rapa Nui’s cultural heritage through music and performance

Question 21

Matato’a is able to preserve/promote Rapa Nui’s cultural heritage by…

Answer 21

(1) Creating a fusion that appeals to both local/international audiences
(2) Blending traditional Rapa Nui music with modern instruments and genres
(3) Maintaining strong connection to their cultural roots by incorporating traditional Rapa Nui language, song forms, and performance styles into modern repertoire

Question 22

Internationalized aspects of Matato’a’s music includes…

Answer 22

Use of guitar and harmonica
Use of reggae styles
Use of rock band backing

Question 23

Localized aspects of Matato’a’s music include…

Answer 23

Use of Rapa Nui language
Use of traditional Rapa Nui songs and texts
Use of performance characteristics like use of body paint, particular choreographic routines

Question 24

The music of Matato’s has evolved overtime due to…

Answer 24

the shift from traditional Rapa Nui styles to a fusion of traditional and modern influences, including rock and reggae

Question 25

How has the evolution of Matato’a’s music impacted Rapa Nui’s cultural identity?

Answer 25

(1) Helped preserve traditional Rapa Nui music while adapting it to contemporary tastes and international audiences
(2) Provided a platform for cultural expression, language revitalization, and promotion of awareness/appreciation of Rapa Nui culture worldwide